New
New
Fieldwork: Analysing, concluding and evaluating air pollution data
I can analyse and reflect on my air pollution data to create meaningful conclusions and an evaluation.
Lesson 9 of 14
New
New
- Year 9
Fieldwork: Analysing, concluding and evaluating air pollution data
I can analyse and reflect on my air pollution data to create meaningful conclusions and an evaluation.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Statistical tests are used by geographers to find patterns in data sets that are not obvious in their raw form.
- Conclusions can be strengthened by combining the results of different data sets together.
- The scale at which geographers collect data can have a significant influence over the type of conclusions they make.
Keywords
Spearman's rank - a statistical test that shows the strength of any correlation between two variables
Micro-scale enquiries - enquiries that focus on a small area such as a street or a park
Macro-scale enquiries - enquiries that focus on a large area such as a city or a whole country
Common misconception
You have to be good at maths to be able to use statistical tests in geographical enquiries.
You have to know how to interpret the results of statistical tests to use them in geographical enquiries.
Model the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient calculations in real time with students so you can ensure that no student gets lost in the process.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.Which of the following is an example of a human impact on biodiversity?
Which of the following is an example of a human impact on biodiversity?
A volcanic eruption
A change in Earth's orbit
Ocean tides
Q3.Why is the term Anthropocene controversial to some scientists?
Why is the term Anthropocene controversial to some scientists?
It refers to ancient fossils
It denies climate change
It’s only used in astronomy
Q4.Which of these actions would reduce someone’s carbon footprint?
Which of these actions would reduce someone’s carbon footprint?
Flying weekly for work
Using more plastic packaging
Heating a house with coal
Q5.Which human activity contributes most to climate change?
Which human activity contributes most to climate change?
Drinking bottled water
Watching TV
Using pencils
Q6.Which of the following shows a misunderstanding of human impact on the planet?
Which of the following shows a misunderstanding of human impact on the planet?
Humans have cleared land for cities
Humans contribute to air pollution
Humans extract resources
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.Why might geographers use statistical tests like Spearman’s rank?
Why might geographers use statistical tests like Spearman’s rank?
To build a model of the future
To draw the neatest graphs
To take photographs
Q3.Which of the following best describes micro-scale enquiry data?
Which of the following best describes micro-scale enquiry data?
It compares whole countries
It only uses government data
It uses satellite images only
Q4.Which of these would best describe a misunderstanding about statistical tests?
Which of these would best describe a misunderstanding about statistical tests?
They help geographers see links in data
They are useful in enquiries
They can support conclusions
